An increasing number of schools are cutting summer vacation time to compensate for the loss of school hours because of the closures amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education has asked metropolitan high schools (including integrated junior and senior high schools, or integrated schools) and municipal boards of education to consider reducing the summer vacation period, while also proposing classes on Saturdays and national holidays.
However, if the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase, the school closure -- slated to run through May 6 -- could be extended. These schools are all facing challenging circumstances.
In Tokyo, municipal elementary and junior high schools, metropolitan high schools and integrated institutions and other facilities have been temporarily shut down since early March.
A state of emergency was declared on April 7 and closures for all schools were extended through May 6, the last day of the Golden Week holidays.
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has composed guidelines requesting that schools compensate for the loss of class hours by implementing strategies such as online learning options and holding classes on Saturdays.
The ministry has informed boards of education nationwide of the guidelines.
For metropolitan high schools and integrated schools, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education in mid-April announced guidelines proposing classes on Saturdays and national holidays during periods other than the summer break in addition to shortening summer breaks, and encouraging schools to consider the measures.
The board also asked municipal boards of education that include elementary and junior high schools to consider taking similar measures.
"Given the necessity to secure a sufficient number of school days and the burden on students and teachers, shortening the summer vacation period will be unavoidable," a Tokyo board of education senior official said.
As for private schools, the Tokyo metropolitan government will leave the decision up to each school.
In response to the guidelines issued by the Tokyo board of education, some schools have already decided to shorten their summer.
Tokyo Metropolitan Hakuo Senior High School and Junior High School in Taito Ward, Tokyo, has decided to cut two weeks off the summer holiday period. The institution also plans to use after-school hours to offer supplementary lessons on weekdays, while enhancing online learning options.
"We need to allot vacation days to our teachers, so decided to reduce the summer vacation period because it is a practical option," said the school's principal Hisako Yoshimoto.
The boards of education in Tokyo's Chuo and Edogawa wards have each decided to reduce the summer vacation period for elementary and junior high schools by about two weeks.
However, it is uncertain whether the declaration of a state of emergency will be lifted on May 6 as scheduled.
Tokyo Metropolitan Nishi High School in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, has decided to cut summer break by about a week, while using online learning.
"Every year, we hold supplementary lessons during the summer holidays for students who are going to take university exams," the school's principal Satoshi Hagiwara said. "This year, however, we might have to devote all of the time to making up for the loss of class hours because of the school closure," said Hagiwara, adding that the school has no choice but to consider further cutbacks of summer breaks.
Among municipalities in other prefectures, many are aiming for a shorter summer holiday period for schools. The Misato municipal government in Saitama Prefecture has decided to drop the number of summer vacation days for municipal elementary and junior high schools down to 20 days -- Aug. 1 to 20.
In addition, after schools are reopened, classes will be held on Saturday mornings every two weeks through the end of August.
The Ono municipal government in Hyogo Prefecture has announced plans to make up the loss of school hours with zero summer break this year for municipal elementary and junior high schools as well as at the city's special support facilities.
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